This is my surprised face....Quote:
Originally Posted by The Duke
http://s3.amazonaws.com/media-kaboom...g-robrice1.jpg
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This is my surprised face....Quote:
Originally Posted by The Duke
http://s3.amazonaws.com/media-kaboom...g-robrice1.jpg
I was contacted by owner Paul earlier this week and I’m supposed to have a meeting with him today at the shop in Longmont. I hope I can finally get this resolved. I’ll keep you posted.
Print out this thread and help him understand how many unsatisfied people there are.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Duke
I was going to suggest that The Duke just give him a good solid kick right in the nuts to help him understand how unsatisfied people are.
It's one thing to not be happy with a product...I'd call that "unsatisfied". But not delivering goods as purchased and failing to give refunds? I call that theft. Sucks many of you guys are having such major problems with this character. It sure sounds to me like he's guilty of a lot worse than poor customer service.
Good luck; I didn't get any follow through on what he promised. Fortunately, my credit card company forced the issue.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Duke
I went to the shop in Longmont and meet with Paul. The first thing he did was walk over to the cash register and handed me a cash refund. He then filled out the paper work and gave me a priority mail envelope addressed to the ATF. Told me if I wanted it would only cost me the tax stamp for the suppressor. Paul seemed to be trying to right the ship that a former partner left listing. I say if you’re having issues go to the shop talk to Paul, I think we’ll make it right. At least he did for me.
I don't know if I'd even bother sending in the $200 for the stamp, you think in 10 months they'll be around to give you your suppressor?
Doesn't Paul live in Virginia? Is he moving here to take control of the company?
Paul said he has re-located to Colorado.
Living in Longmont it is easy enough for me to swing by. I was interested in buying some of their lowers, or 80% lowers but they would not answer my questions I sent to them via email.
Their website still says that they have some in stock. So I figured that I would just stop by and pick them up. Well four separate times during their posted business hours no one was there. They would not answer the phone numbers posted on their site. I went to their store front and the place was empty. Not exactly what I would call "working hard to keep up with demand".
Finally I was driving by and some employees were there (I do not know who it was) so I asked them about the 80% lowers. Their response was "I don't even remember the last time we had any". So I mentioned that the web site still lists them as in stock and they just treated me like I was retarded for believing what their website said to the point of being outright disrespectful and condescending. So I thanked them for their time and will never purchase anything from a business that is run that poorly. This is all took place in July '14 so it is not like I walked in there during panic buying times.
I know it is just beating a dead horse, but I wanted to get my experience out there because it shows that the problem is with the way that they are running the business (still). There are plenty of other fantastic Colorado owned and operated businesses that I would gladly do business with.
Which suppressor did you order? Did they actually have the suppressor made or just a dedicated serial number?Quote:
Originally Posted by The Duke
I had a SHDW-45 on order since January that I could never get any information about. I finally got fed up and let my credit card company deal with it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gnj091405
Greg, I had the same issue with the two shadow ops lowers I received about a month ago. I ended up finding my loosest fitting GI mag and spreading lapping compound on the edges that rubbed the lower. Twenty minutes of working the clip in and out and the fit loosened up. It seems as though the mag well tolerances are tight enough that the anodizing process adds just enough to make mag fit undesirable. Once I was finished you could see where the anodizing was worn down where the mag rubbed. Magpuls fall right out now. Not desirable to have to do this, but at least the mags fit now and I didn't have to track down the ever elusive shadow ops team.
Why are they still being promoted as "Partners" on the COAR15 pages?
I dont think they are still? Other than this thread that keeps popping up I have all but forgotten them.Quote:
Originally Posted by brutal
About 5 minutes ago...Quote:
Originally Posted by Skully
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...r/partners.jpg
Got missed. Thanks for pointing it out Brutal. Cleanup, Isle 6. [Flower]Quote:
Originally Posted by TFOGGER
Didn't even see the PARTNERS on the bottom of the page, dont hardly ever scroll down that far................ [Coffee]Quote:
Originally Posted by TFOGGER
Sounds like the CAT GUY is aware and will be no more in due time.
While you raised the valid questions, I myself never did business with either, almost pulled the trigger (pun intended) with Shadow but never did, luck of the draw. If I was in those customers shoes that got screwed I would be pissed as hell, as I have been there myself with other "businesses."Quote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
On that note, without knowing more than what is on the surface that we already know such as the "Owner" is a guy back east, the original crew walked out and started their own. I have no legitimate factual information about what happened internally that caused it, and who the blame should be given to or if everyone involved should wear the shame hat and unless one or all of them steps in and tells the whole story we may never know. So I am staying out of it as I have nothing to offer on the subject matter.
[Coffee]
I would not hold them responsible for what happened.
They are not beholden to their job.
If the captain is about run the ship aground, they should stay at their posts and go down with the ship?
And to say they have a responsibility to "Gun owners across America" is ridiculous.
It is a business like any other, a product is a product.
Does this analog work? If this was an auto repair business, would you never go back to your mechanic at his new shop?
I am not happy about what happened, I bought things from them and never had any issue.
In retrospect it would seem I may have lucked out.
I would not hesitate to to look up the new company and may just swing by to see them next time I am in the area.
I concur. It was mentioned before but my post was deleted.Quote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
Been half heartedly following this thread.
At the end of the day, you are only as good as your word. Waiting to hear more feedback about what Paul is doing to make things right.
I have had (and been screwed by) partners in the past. Got the poop end of the stick and had to deal.
I'll reserve judgement...
i guess i just don't see why they don't refund everyone and start fresh
Probably because at this point, there is no money to give back.Quote:
Originally Posted by tmckay2
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Before this turns in a direction that will not end well let me explain a little about IP's. It costs nothing to become an IP. We do not charge anything. Every swinging dick with a business wants to be an IP because it is free and many just want to hock there wares. IP's need to be active on the board outside of the trading post. We do not run background checks, pull your credit or demand a probe by green men in silver hats.
Lack of participation or violation of the rules will get your status pulled. All we have to go on is their posts, staff and member transactions and our gut feeling. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. I have had only one dealing with SOW and it was fine. The issue on the bottom of the page has been fixed. It was missed by the staff and is corrected. Any claim that because we missed something (and by the looks of it almost everyone else did as well) that we are somehow covering up for them or somehow in bed with them will be dealt with by the stupid cat in my avatar.
We have allowed this thread to continue but the constant insinuation that we somehow have any control over them or that we are covering up for them will stop. (My shit was deleted) I do not care how long you have been on the board your ass will be toast.
I think most folks don't realize how much demanding a voluntary position such as a mod and admin could be.
This is a community first forum, a simple pm to one of the mods would have been much better than a bitching contest or shifting your anger toward the wrong party.
Now, what little green men in silver hats??? Like mini paranoid hulk with tin foil hat?
I make the motion we kill this thread. Anyone second?
Sometimes things can't be 'made right'. Shhhhtuff happens.
This thread should remain as a warning to others, but I see no happy ending to this story.
That is one of many reasons why this thread is still alive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gman
To the credit of this thread I saved a coworker some headache and cash. Thanks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
This. I was considering purchasing a suppressor through them until this thread.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Attachment 49833this was posted on their Facebook page earlier this evening
More "air" deal coins?
Sent from my iPhone
Hey, they just need a little more time. [dig]
This just came in email:
Quote:
Shadow Ops is focused on what matters to you.
Here's what we're doing about it.....
Customer Service Announcement #1 9/24/2014
We know that we have many customers who are upset with the lack of communication from us regarding back-orders and customer service issues. We want to fully explain and hope you will understand the level of frustration and stress we've been dealing with, after reading this. We will make good on all our promises! Following is a letter from the Owner of Shadow Ops
My name is Paul Russ and I have been the owner of Shadow Ops since September 2009, but have only been on site full time at the production facility, for a little over one month. I have recently had to move from VA to CO. to take over all business and operations management. Here is some history and perspective regarding our current situation.
Shadow Ops obtained its manufacturing license in February 2012 and started out as a small shop, with both myself and my partner having other full time jobs. Believe it or not, my company was created primarily with customer service in mind. In December of 2012, after the Sandy Hook shooting, I noticed that the prices for lower receivers were becoming absolutely ridiculous. Many stores were profiteering on items that I knew were excessively priced and we could produce a custom product at a more affordable rate. I decided that we would order new CNC equipment and secure purchase orders for forgings, to offer a custom laser engraved lower for $150, instead of the profiteering price of $450-$600. We had much success and sold $660,000 worth of these in January 2013 and $250,000 in February, but a series of events started problems I couldn't have predicted.
First, we were a victim of Operation Choke Point behavior by our credit card processing company which held over $500,000 during a time when our forged lowers were in high demand, with a lot of orders waiting to be filled. They told us that we wouldn’t be able to receive the funds until July or August due to the 3,200% increase in sales from December and our business was not approved for those levels of transactions. We could not keep taking orders we couldn't fulfill at that level and this threw our original timeline of delivery for lowers out the door and slowed us down on new product delivery immensely.
Many times, I both expected delivery or to have funds for purchase of secondary items, but both holds and chargebacks held us from shipping items in a timely manner. The crisis management had begun and in hindsight, I should have taken more control and told everyone what was happening, although I anticipated a quick recovery after the funds were released. That was the first mistake in our communications with customers, that I take full credit for and I am truly sorry for that.
At the end of last year, things got progressively worse, though I had thought we were doing pretty well. Even though we were running slower things just didn't seem right. Recently, it’s clear why. It was brought to my attention that during my partners entire management tenure, he was planning for a hostile take over of the business. I found out that he had communicated his intent to a potential investor early on, by telling him “don’t invest until I take over the whole business”. He was only a 10% owner, but he wanted it all. In December 2013, while I was still working in Virginia remotely he had verbally threatened me saying, “Give me the entire business or you will regret it!” and unfortunately carried through with his threat. When he realized I wasn't giving into his demands, he systematically began deleting all intellectual property of the company, took CNC fixturing for making our parts, stole furniture that was made on company time and paid with company money and began removing shop equipment that he wanted. His goal was to drive the company into the ground then offer to buy all my shares for pennies on the dollar with a new investor, or he was going to leave with all that he could get his hands on and start his own gig.
He then stepped it up a notch and sabotaged our most important company equipment by changing tooling CNC G-codes which created a production defect that were quickly discovered from about 50 customer complaints. I believe we have satisfied all those customers (if anyone's left will take care of them too at our expense). This gave us a another block of lost production time, catching up on back orders for the billet lowers. To make matters worse, I was totally understaffed as he took 8 out of 10 employees from the shop and other equipment which the company paid for in cash, to start his own business on our dime. This guy left Shadow Ops customers, friends and investors in the rear-view mirror without batting an eye. He was extremely selfish and immoral and although there is opportunity to pursue legal action, my current focus is solely on filling every backorder and taking care of our customers first.
I have moved to Colorado to manage the manufacturing facility and we have started resolving all the issues and have been fulfilling existing back orders. I will continue to move Shadow Ops forward in the direction I have always wanted it to go, by providing the best products I can possibly make, at a price that is fair for a top quality product. We have been working every angle to fix all problems and we have gone from a 2.5 hour lower receiver production time (on his watch) to one that is done in about 50 minutes! We have sped up everything exponentially and have already handled 75% of the back-orders to date. I have finally secured investors that understand what has happened to us, continue to believe in the company and love our products. We will now have ALL of the backorders taken care of in the next 60 days!
Additionally, I have secured massive new purchase orders that guarantees our successful turnaround. With this newly secured funding and large product orders in place, I can now hire a larger customer service team to start answering your emails (starting with this one) and they are going to have our communication system constantly improving. Currently we have three on staff and will be expanding that team, as fast as possible. I would have loved to tell you all what was happening earlier on, but honestly, I was working so hard on keeping us afloat that I didn't even know from one day to the next what our fate would be. I would answer as many emails and calls that I could, while also trying to get funding and find ways to make and ship each product that was ordered. I have been woefully understaffed and it has taken its toll, but this will also improve now that we are funded.
I believe most everything that has been sabotaged was uncovered and we can see light at the end of the tunnel now. I can tell you for the first time, without a doubt... that we are NOT going to close doors and any outstanding orders will be fulfilled in the next 60 days. We will also avoid any future back-order issues by eliminating pre-orders or making promises on new orders, for items that cannot be fulfilled within 5-10 business days. Obviously, all prior orders take priority over new ones. We are working diligently to create a better system on our website that will keep you updated on in/out of stock items, shipping delays, etc. and any customer service issues will be handled promptly by our new team.
You have my word that which did not kill us, will make Shadow Ops stronger than ever. Our new machining and production staff and those who stayed with me through this nightmare, are totally focused on taking care of our customers. We won't quit on you and the partner that did, will take his business reputation with him to his own demise. Ever since he has left, the leaches are gone, the loyal are being rewarded and we have improved our production times and quality. WE will continue to work together to bring you the best products we can make, at a price you can afford. Stay with us and you will be pleased at what is yet to come!"
For those who qualify and kept their orders open, thank you for being kind to us. I will have a lifelong FOUNDERS reward program in place soon, as well as more “Deal Coin” offers that make your custom lowers free in the end. Be sure to fill out the forms we send, so we can qualify you and keep you in the loop.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS!
- Paul Russ, Owner
(Family Managing LLC Member)
IMPORTANT: Click on the "Call to Action" button below to access the first form which will filter your customer service needs to the correct agents. Please fill out the form, selecting anything relevent. We will respond with specific information for your situation and rewards for those who qualify. THANK YOU!
If you would like to continue to receive our communications, please "opt-in" now by adding us to your address book.
Copyright © 2014 Shadow Ops
Our address is 1830 Boston Ave. Unit E, Longmont,, CO 80501
If you do not wish to receive future email, click here.
(You can also send your request to Customer Care at the street address above.)
Hound beat me to it! Lol
No, you get mine.Quote:
Originally Posted by kwando
Just finished reading that as well.
Everyone's fault but Paul's [Roll1]
I just got that email too, what a crock of shit.
His e-m has some validity.Quote:
Originally Posted by mahabali
Not saying I dont believe it. But none the less he did run the business into the ground and screw over a ton of people. Ignorance is not an excuse, still his responsibility.Quote:
Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo